2012 deal extension for Mariappa

Watford have moved pretty darn fast to secure versatile defender Adrian Mariappa for another season after signing up the one-club wonder on a 1 year contract extension.

Mariappa, who has been an ever present and stand in captain this season, has put his scribble on the dreaded dotted to commit himself to the club until 2012...despite the fact he still had 12 months to run on his original deal signed last May.

It`s a strange ol' move for the Hornets who, if you believe everything you read in the local rags, haven`t yet opened talks with a host of players out of contract this summer!

Maybe Sky Sports tittle tattle about 'warding off potential suitors` has a certain truth to it. Let`s not forget that Ipswich and Palace were reportedly sniffing about last summer.

Here at VitalWatford Towers, Mariappa splits opinion - DrWatford openly admits he`s not Adrian`s biggest fan (he isn`t tall enough to play centre back - ed) but he clearly is still flavour of the day with the coaching staff who strive for average consistency at WD18.

So that`s Loachy and Mariappa now sign, sealed and delivered with a clutch of kids also nailed down on professional deals - but still we urge Watford (and Sir Graham) to get Eustace behind the boardroom table.